Rearview mirror assembly with antenna

ABSTRACT

A rearview mirror assembly includes a main housing defining an exterior surface, an interior, and an open side, the exterior surface having a recess therein. The assembly also includes a control module coupled within the interior of the housing, a mirror coupled over the open end of the housing, and a communication module. The communication module includes an antenna electrically coupled with the control module and an antenna housing at least partially enclosing the antenna and coupled within the recess of the exterior surface of the main housing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/527,455, entitled “REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH ANTENNA,” filed onMay 27, 2017, which claims priority to International ApplicationPCT/2015/061306, entitled “REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH ANTENNA,” filedon Nov. 18, 2015, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C § 119(e) and thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/081,101, entitled“REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY WITH ANTENNA,” filed on Nov. 18, 2014, theentire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. To theextent any amendments, characterizations, or other assertions previouslymade (in this or in any related patent applications or patents,including any parent, sibling, or child) with respect to any art, prioror otherwise, could be construed as a disclaimer of any subject mattersupported by the present disclosure of this application, Applicanthereby rescinds and retracts such disclaimer. Applicant alsorespectfully submits that any prior art previously considered in anyrelated patent applications or patents, including any parent, sibling,or child, may need to be revisited.

TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to a rearview mirror assemblyfor a vehicle. In particular, the rearview mirror assembly includes acommunication module including an antenna coupled with a housingthereof.

BACKGROUND

Various rearview mirror assemblies have been adapted to implement atleast some functionality of a metering system useable in taxis, liveryvehicles, and other “for-hire” driven vehicles. Such function mayinclude metering and the corresponding calculation of a total fee duebased on, for example, distance driven in light of a predetermined fareand, potentially, including various fees, taxes, and tips. Accordingly,further improvements may be desired to facilitate the payment of suchfees using an adapted rearview mirror assembly.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present invention, a rearview mirrorassembly includes a main housing defining an exterior surface, aninterior, and an open side, the exterior surface having a recesstherein. The assembly also includes a control module coupled within theinterior of the housing, a mirror coupled over the open end of thehousing, and a communication module. The communication module includesan antenna electrically coupled with the control module and an antennahousing at least partially enclosing the antenna and coupled within therecess of the exterior surface of the main housing.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a near-fieldcommunication module includes an antenna unit having a substratedefining a perimeter sidewall extending between a first face and asecond face. The substrate further defines a plurality of aperturesextending between the first face and the second face. The module furtherincludes a housing comprising an elastomeric material. The housingincludes a body defining an interior cavity. The substrate of theantenna unit is received within the cavity with the body extending overthe first face, the perimeter sidewall, and an edge defined between theperimeter sidewall and the second face. The housing also includes aplurality of mounting posts that extend from the cavity of the body andfurther through respective ones of the plurality of apertures.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the present devicewill be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the artupon studying the following specification, claims, and appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front-top perspective view of a rearview mirror assembly;

FIG. 2 is a rear-bottom perspective view of the rearview mirror assemblyof FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the rearview mirror assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partial view of an interior of a vehicle including therearview mirror assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a detail view of an interior of the rearview mirror assemblyof FIG. 1 showing the coupling of a communication module with a mainhousing thereof;

FIG. 6 is front-perspective view of an antenna included in the rearviewmirror assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a front-perspective view of a communication module includingthe antenna of FIG. 6 and an antenna housing;

FIG. 8 is a detail view of the interior of the rearview mirror assemblyof FIG. 1 during a step in assembly of the communication module with themain housing;

FIG. 9 is a front-perspective view of an alternative antenna housinguseable in a variation of a rearview mirror assembly;

FIG. 10 is a detail view of an interior of a rearview mirror assemblyshowing the coupling of a communication module, including the antennahousing of FIG. 10, with a main housing;

FIG. 11 is a front-perspective view of an alternative antenna housinguseable in a variation of a rearview mirror assembly;

FIG. 12 is a detail view of an interior of a rearview mirror assemblyshowing the coupling of a communication module, including the antennahousing of FIG. 11, with a main housing;

FIG. 13 is a front-perspective view of an alternative antenna housinguseable in a variation of a rearview mirror assembly;

FIG. 14 is a detail view of an interior of a rearview mirror assemblyshowing the coupling of a communication module, including the antennahousing of FIG. 13, with a main housing;

FIG. 15 is a front-perspective view of an alternative antenna housinguseable in a variation of a rearview mirror assembly; and

FIG. 16 is a detail view of an interior of a rearview mirror assemblyshowing the coupling of a communication module, including the antennahousing of FIG. 15, with a main housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG. 1. However, it isto be understood that the device may assume various alternativeorientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to thecontrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices andprocesses illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in thefollowing specification are simply exemplary embodiments of theinventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, reference numeral 10 generally designates arearview mirror assembly. Rearview mirror assembly 10 includes a mainhousing 12 defining an exterior surface 14, an interior 16 (as shown inFIG. 3) and an open side 18 (FIG. 3). Exterior surface 14 defines arecess 20 therein. Assembly 10 further includes a control module 22(FIG. 3) coupled within the interior 16 of main housing 12 and a mirror24 coupled over open end 18 of main housing 12. Assembly 10 alsoincludes a communication module 26 having an antenna 28 electricallycoupled with control module 22 (such as by wires 30) and an antennahousing 32 at least partially enclosing antenna 28 and coupled withinrecess 20 of exterior surface 14 of main housing 12.

As shown in FIG. 4, rearview mirror assembly 10 can be used in anautomobile interior 34 such as by coupling thereof with a headliner 36in a position adjacent an upper portion of windshield 38 (or by beingcoupled with windshield 38 itself) by way of a mounting arm 40. In anexample, rearview mirror assembly 10 can be in the form of a displaymirror assembly, such as by incorporation of a full or partial display42 into mirror 24. In a further example, rearview mirror assembly 10 canbe specifically adapted for use within a taxi or other livery or“for-hire” vehicle. In this respect, display 42 can be configured topresent relevant information for such use, including fare informationand the like. In such an example, control module 22 can be adapted toreceive and/or determine information to be presented on display 42, aswell as to control display 42 so as to present such information thereon.In a further embodiment, the control module 22 can further be adapted tocalculate or otherwise determine such information, including bydetermining a distance traveled by the associated vehicle and using suchinformation in a fee or fare calculation model. Control module 22 canreceive power, data, or the like by means of cables 44 passing through amounting aperture 46 in main housing 12, which may further pass throughmounting arm 40 to couple with power and/or control systems (not shown)of the vehicle associated with interior 34.

In an embodiment, communication module 26 can facilitate the use ofrearview mirror assembly 10 as a stand-alone metering and payment modulesuch that incorporation of rearview mirror assembly 10 alone intovehicle interior 34 can facilitate the use of the associated vehicle asa taxi or other similar vehicle. As such, communication module 26 canhouse an antenna 28 in the form of a near-field communication (“NFC”)antenna that is capable of communicating directly with, or facilitatingcommunication by another component (e.g. control module 22) with, anexternal device that includes a compatible NFC chip. Such an “NFCenabled” device may include a specifically-adapted cellular or mobiletelephone (such as a smart phone or the like), various other electronicdevices, or a specifically-adapted credit card. Accordingly, a paymentdue, as calculated by control module 22 for example, and presented ondisplay 42 can be made by a passenger or the like by positioning anNFC-enabled payment device within a sufficient distance (e.g. about 0.5cm in to about 30 cm), of antenna 28, whereupon control module 22, asfacilitated by communication module 26 and antenna 28, can communicatewith the NFC-enabled payment device (not shown) to make such a payment,according to various processes known in the art.

The positioning of antenna 28 of communication module 26 in the locationdepicted in FIG. 2, including within an antenna housing 32 that ismounted on exterior surface 14 of main housing 12, may help provide foradvantageous functioning of communication module 26. This advantageousfunctioning may include a desired range of communication with anexternal device, and may further allow for an antenna 28 that is of anappropriate size to fit within an available space on exterior surface 14of main housing 12. As further shown in FIG. 2, positioning of antenna28 on the bottom side of exterior surface 14 may provide a convenientlocation for the positioning of an external device during a paymentaction due to, for example, the available space under side 48 whenpositioned within vehicle interior 34 as shown in FIG. 4. As shown inFIG. 2, rearview mirror assembly 10 may include a plurality of buttons50 and lenses 52 within side 48 of exterior surface 14, which may berelated to other functions of rearview mirror assembly 10. The presenceof such buttons 50 and lenses 52 can reduce the available space withinside 48 of exterior surface 14, thereby making optimization of thefunction of antenna 28 desirable.

Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, antenna 28 is shown as including an antennabody 54 in the form of a substrate of, for example, metal or otherconductive material. As such, antenna body 54 generally defines aperimeter side wall 56 extending between a first face 58 and a secondface 60 (either of which can be considered a major surface of antennabody 54). A communication chip 62 can be mounted on the substrate ofantenna body 54 with at least portions thereof being electricallycoupled with antenna body 54 such that antenna body 54 can receiveelectrical signals according to an appropriate protocol. Wires 30 can becoupled with chip 62 to facilitate electrical connection betweencommunication module 26 and control module 22. As shown in FIG. 6,antenna housing 32 includes a body 64 defining an interior cavity 66sized to receive antenna body 54 therein. When antenna body 54 ispositioned within interior cavity 66, body 64 of antenna housing 32extends over so as to cover first face 58 and perimeter side wall 56 ofantenna body 54. Further, a lip 70 of a body 64 extends inwardly withrespect to interior cavity 66 so as to encapsulate an edge 68 definedbetween perimeter side wall 56 and second face 60 of antenna body 54.This arrangement helps to secure antenna body 54 within antenna housing32.

In an embodiment, antenna housing 32 can be integrally made of anelastomer material such as thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”), siliconrubber, or the like. In an example, antenna housing 32 can be of anelastomer having a hardness durometer of between 60 and 80, Shore A,although other materials of varying durometer hardness levels may beused, such as for the purpose of appearance or the like. The use of anelastomeric material for antenna housing 32 may facilitate a securecoupling of antenna body 54 within interior cavity 66, and may befurther advantageous for preventing audible vibration and/or rattling ofantenna housing 32 against main housing 12 when the two are coupledtogether.

As further shown in FIG. 6, antenna body 54 may sit within interiorcavity 66 such that second face 60 is positioned within interior cavity66. In the example shown in FIG. 7, this is achieved by configuringcavity 66 with a depth greater than the thickness of antenna body 54(i.e. the distance between first face 58 and second face 60.) Such anarrangement may help maintain antenna body 54 in a position away frommain housing 12, such as away from a portion of exterior surface 14comprising a mounting area for antenna housing 32 to prevent rattling orother interference therebetween. In the example shown, for example inFIG. 2, the mounting area can be within and generally defined by or thesame as recess 20. In other examples, the mounting area may be a portionof a generally flat exterior surface 14 of adequate size for antennahousing 32 to be mounted along such portion in a manner similar to theexamples shown including a recess 20. As further shown in FIG. 7,antenna housing 32 can include a plurality of retaining features in theform of mounting posts 72 extending from body 64 within interior cavity66 and outwardly therefrom. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, antenna body 54can include a plurality of apertures 74 that are positioned to generallyalign with mounting posts 72 so that when antenna body 54 is receivedwithin interior 66, mounting posts 72 extend through apertures 74 to aposition opposite antenna body 54 from the portions of antenna housing32 from which they extend.

As shown in FIG. 7, communication module 26 can be assembled with mainhousing 12 by engagement of mounting posts 72 within a correspondingplurality of apertures of 76 within main housing 12. As shown in FIG. 7,apertures 76 can extend through main housing 12 within the area ofrecess 20, which is shown in FIG. 7 as extending into interior 16 ofmain housing 12. Accordingly, mounting posts 72 can be configured asgenerally cylindrical forms with enlarged portions 78 that can becompressed so as to be press-fit through apertures 76 but are ofsufficient size so as to retain mounting posts 72 in an engagedrelationship with apertures 76, thereby retaining antenna housing 32 ina coupled relationship with main housing 12. As such the mounting posts72 can have respective heights that are greater than the depth of thecavity 66 to space apart the enlarged portions 78 from the rest ofantenna housing 32 and from antenna body 54. The use of an elastomericmaterial, as discussed above, for antenna housing 32 (which may beintegrally molded of a single piece of elastomeric material) canfacilitate such engagement and retention of tabs 72 with apertures 76and can allow retention tabs 72 to be put under tension when assembledwith apertures 76 such that antenna housing 32 is maintained in contactwith the mounting area (e.g. within recess 20).

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, mounting posts 72 can be formed in aninitial state with a corresponding plurality of pull tabs 80 extendingtherefrom. Pull tabs 80 may be present to facilitate assembly of antennahousing 32 with main housing 12 by providing material that may begrasped by an installer or by an instrument to pull mounting posts 72through the corresponding apertures 76 in main housing 12. Afterinstallation as such, pull tabs 80 can be removed from mounting posts72, such as by cutting or the like, which may leave correspondingportions 81 present on mounting posts 72.

Returning to FIG. 3, the above-described mirror 24 (including display42) and control module 22 can be coupled together in an assembly 82 suchthat communication module 26 can be initially assembled with mainhousing 12 from within interior 60, as accessed through open side 18 ofmain housing 12. Subsequently, wire 30 can be appropriately coupled withcontrol module 22 prior to coupling of assembly 82 with main housing 12.After such connection, assembly 82 can be coupled with main housing 12,such as by a snap-fit arrangement, adhesive, or other fasteners. Theentire resulting rearview mirror assembly 10 can then be assembled intoa vehicle interior 34, as discussed above.

In the various embodiments discussed herein, communication module 26 maybe of a thickness approximately equal to the depth of recess 20 withinexterior surface 14 of main housing 12, such that communication module26 is generally flush with respect to the adjacent areas of exteriorsurface 14. In other examples, body 64 of antenna housing 32 may besomewhat thicker than the corresponding depth of recess 20 such thatcommunication module 26 extends slightly beyond exterior surface 14(e.g. between 0.5 and 3 mm) in still further examples, communicationmodule 26 may be assembled on a generally planar exterior surface 14such that no recess is present therein (at least within the area orassembly of communication module 26 thereto) such that communicationmodule 26 extends away from exterior surface 14 by a distance generallyequal to the thickness of body 64 of antenna housing 32.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a further embodiment of a rearview mirrorassembly 110 can include an antenna housing 132 of a plastic material,which may be more rigid than the elastomeric material used in an exampleof antenna housing 32, described above. In such an example, antennahousing 132 may include a plurality of resiliently flexible mountingtabs 172 extending from body 164 within an interior cavity 166 thereofto one or more engagement ends 173. A corresponding antenna body (whichis generally similar to antenna body 54, discussed above, other featuresnot specifically discussed herein also being similar to other featureswith reference numbers having the same final two digits) may includeapertures (similar to apertures 74, discussed above, but repositionedappropriately) to allow mounting tabs 172 to pass therethrough and intoa snap-fit arrangement therewith. As shown in FIG. 10, main housing 112can include corresponding apertures 176 configured to allow mountingtabs 172 to deflect inwardly to pass therethrough and to resilientlysnap back into an extended position to engage with main housing 112,thereby retaining communication module 126 with main housing 12. FIGS.11 and 12 as well as FIGS. 13 and 14, show similar arrangements withrespective mounting tabs 172 and 372 extending from respective antennahousings 232 and 332 to engagement ends 273 and 373 that appropriatelyengage with corresponding main housings 212 and 312 in varying locationsand with varying features thereof. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 14, suchfeatures may include ribs 284 and 384, which are present within mainhousing 212 and 312 to give structural support therefor.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16 a further embodiment of antenna housing 432may include a plurality of posts 472 extending from within interiorcavity 466 of body 464 of antenna housing 432. Posts 472 may bepositionable within corresponding holes (not shown, similar to apertures76 shown in FIG. 7) with control module 22 appropriately positionedagainst exterior surface 414 of main housing 412. A correspondingplurality of spring fasteners 486 can be slid into engagement with posts472 to engage therewith, thereby coupling communication module 426 withmain housing 412. In an example, spring fasteners 486 can be made of arelatively thin, resilient metal material that forms a press fit withposts 472, which may be of plastic or the like. In such an arrangement,spring fasteners 486 may at least partially dig into posts 472 to securethe relative positioning therewith.

It will be understood that any described processes or steps withindescribed processes may be combined with other disclosed processes orsteps to form structures within the scope of the present device. Theexemplary structures and processes disclosed herein are for illustrativepurposes and are not to be construed as limiting.

It is also to be understood that variations and modifications can bemade on the aforementioned structures and methods without departing fromthe concepts of the present device, and further it is to be understoodthat such concepts are intended to be covered by the following claimsunless these claims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The above description is considered that of the illustrated embodimentsonly. Modifications of the device will occur to those skilled in the artand to those who make or use the device. Therefore, it is understoodthat the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above is merelyfor illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of thedevice, which is defined by the following claims as interpretedaccording to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine ofEquivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A near-field communication module for couplingwith a body, comprising: an antenna unit including a substrate defininga perimeter sidewall extending between a first face and a second face,the substrate further defining a plurality of apertures extendingbetween the first face and the second face; and a housing comprising anelastically-deformable material and including: a body defining aninterior cavity, the substrate of the antenna unit being received withinthe cavity with the body extending over the first face, the perimetersidewall, and an edge defined between the perimeter sidewall and thesecond face; and a plurality of retaining features extending from thecavity of the body and further through respective ones of the pluralityof apertures.
 2. The near-field communication module of claim 1,wherein: the substrate defines a major surface and has a thickness; thehousing has a first side overlying the major surface of the antenna unitand having a body extending from the first side and defining a cavitytherein within which the antenna body is at least partially enclosed,the cavity having a depth greater than the thickness of the substrate.3. The near-field communication module of claim 1, wherein each of theplurality of retaining features has a height that is greater than adepth of the cavity.
 4. The near-field communication module of claim 1,wherein: the elastically-deformable material is thermoplastic elastomer;and the retaining features are generally cylindrical posts with enlargedportions spaced apart from the body and the substrate, the retainingfeatures being integral with the housing.
 5. The near-fieldcommunication module of claim 1, wherein: the elastically-deformablematerial is a plastic; and the retaining features are flexible tabs. 6.The near-field communication module of claim 1, wherein: the retainingfeatures comprise a plurality of retaining posts; and the near-fieldcommunication module further includes a plurality of spring tabsengageable with respective ones of the plurality of retaining postsopposite the substrate from the body.
 7. The near-field communicationmodule of claim 1, wherein the body further defines a lip extendinginwardly from the edge to at least partially retain the substrate withinthe cavity.
 8. A rearview assembly, comprising: a rearview housingdefining an exterior surface, an interior, and an open side, theexterior surface having a mounting area thereon with a plurality ofretention apertures within the mounting area extending from the exteriorsurface to the interior; and the near-field communication module ofclaim 1, wherein the plurality of retaining features are engaged withrespective ones of the retention apertures.
 9. The rearview assembly ofclaim 8, wherein: the antenna housing comprises an elastomeric material;and the retaining features are generally cylindrical posts integral withthe antenna housing and having enlarged portions that engage with theretention apertures within the interior of the housing with the postsunder tension.
 10. A vehicle rearview assembly, comprising: a housingdefining an exterior surface, an interior, and an open side, theexterior surface having a mounting area thereon with a plurality ofretention apertures within the mounting area extending from the exteriorsurface to the interior; a control module coupled within the interior ofthe housing; a mirror coupled over the open side of the housing; acommunication module including: an antenna unit including a substratedefining a plurality of apertures extending therethrough between thefirst face and the second face; and an antenna housing including a bodydefining an interior cavity, the substrate of the antenna unit beingreceived within the cavity, and a plurality of retaining featuresextending from the cavity of the body, through respective ones of theplurality of apertures, and engaged with respective ones of theapertures.
 11. The assembly of claim 10, wherein the antenna unitfurther defines a perimeter sidewall extending between a first face anda second face, the apertures extending between the first face and thesecond face.
 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the antenna unit isreceived within the cavity of the body, with the body extending over thefirst face, the perimeter sidewall, and an edge defined between theperimeter sidewall and the second face.
 13. The assembly of claim 10,wherein the antenna housing comprises an elastically-deformablematerial.
 14. The assembly of claim 10, wherein: the exterior surface ofthe housing defines a recess, the mounting area being positioned withinthe recess; and the antenna housing is coupled within the mounting areaso as to be at least partially within recess.
 15. The assembly of claim10, wherein: the substrate of the antenna unit defines a major surfaceand having a thickness; and the antenna housing has a first sideoverlying the major surface of the antenna and having a body extendingfrom the first side, contacting the mounting area of the housing, anddefining a cavity therein within which the antenna body is at leastpartially enclosed, the cavity having a depth greater than the thicknessof the substrate.
 16. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 4, wherein:the antenna housing comprises an elastomeric material, the retainingfeatures being integral with the body; and the retaining features engagewith the apertures within the interior of the housing with the postsunder tension.
 17. A communication device assembly, comprising: ahousing defining an exterior surface, an interior, and an open side, theexterior surface having a mounting area thereon with a plurality ofretention apertures within the mounting area extending from the exteriorsurface to the interior; a control module coupled within the interior ofthe housing; a communication module including: an antenna unit includinga substrate defining a plurality of apertures extending therethroughbetween the first face and the second face; and an antenna housingincluding a body defining an interior cavity, the substrate of theantenna unit being received within the cavity, and a plurality ofretaining features extending from the cavity of the body, throughrespective ones of the plurality of apertures, and engaged withrespective ones of the apertures.
 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein:the exterior surface of the housing defines a recess, the mounting areabeing positioned within the recess; and the antenna housing is coupledwithin the mounting area so as to be at least partially within recess.19. The assembly of claim 17, wherein: the substrate of the antenna unitdefines a major surface and having a thickness; and the antenna housinghas a first side overlying the major surface of the antenna and having abody extending from the first side, contacting the mounting area of thehousing, and defining a cavity therein within which the antenna body isat least partially enclosed, the cavity having a depth greater than thethickness of the substrate.
 20. The rearview mirror assembly of claim 4,wherein: the antenna housing comprises an elastomeric material, theretaining features being integral with the body; and the retainingfeatures engage with the apertures within the interior of the housingwith the posts under tension.